Oh yeah, and the sunsets

Northern California's Lost Coast has some of the world's most beautiful coastline. It is undeveloped and pristine. The weather is often wet and cold which keeps it uncrowded so you can enjoy it in undisturbed peace.

Punta Gorda is the Northern Trailhead of the Lost Coast Trail and has a historic lighthouse that is open to the public. You can camp here at the Mattole Campground. The nearest town is Petrolia (see below) which has a great general store with lots of organic & vegetarian food selections.

Shelter Cove is located along the lost coast in the Kings Range between Punta Gorda and Sinkyone. It's a nice place to relax and check out tidal pools. We camped in the "Horse Mountain" campground outside of town - the solitude was great.

Sinkyone Wilderness is reached on rough roads but is well worth the drive. You can camp at the north or south end and do day hikes that are quite easy, weaving between spectacular ocean views, beautiful meadows and woods down to isolated beaches. You can also begin a week long trek along the Lost Coast Trail from one end of the Sinkyone Wilderness area to the other.

There are also small unique towns scattered in the hills along the coast, a flash back to the 60's. Two of our favorites are Boonsville and Petrolia, but don't blink or you'll miss them.
Referrence Links:

Camping North Coast Parks Sinkyone Wilderness Hiking Lost Coast Trail General Lost Coast Info

We hope we return to explore more of this incredible part of California and that you'll take the time to visit it and fall in love for yourself.

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